If I have not the honor of becoming
the Duchesse d'Herouville, I have almost the certainty of enabling you
to choose her, free from all trammels in your choice, and in a higher
sphere than mine. Oh! let me finish," she cried, at a gesture from the
duke.
"Judging by my nephew's emotion," whispered Mademoiselle d'Herouville
to her niece, "it is easy to see you have a sister."
"Monsieur le duc, all this was settled in my mind the day of our first
ride, when I heard you deplore your situation. This is what I have
wished to say to you. That day determined my future life. Though you
did not make the conquest of a woman, you have at least gained
faithful friends at Ingouville--if you will deign to accord us that
title."
This little discourse, which Modeste had carefully thought over, was
said with so much charm of soul that the tears came to the grand
equerry's eyes; he seized her hand and kissed it.
"Stay during the hunt," he said; "my want of merit has accustomed me
to these refusals; but while accepting your friendship and that of the
colonel, you must let me satisfy myself by the judgment of competent
scientific men, that the draining of those marshes will be no risk to
the company you speak of, before I agree to the generous offer of your
friends.
Pages:
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439